Google set to brings new features to Messages app for Android: What's new

Google Messages is adding new tools and design updates, while several other features continue to roll out in beta, including new link previews and updated read receipts

Google is rolling out its Nano Banana–powered Remix tool in Messages. The messaging platform is also reportedly gaining several new features such as spam link detection, Key Verifier and more. According to a report by 9To5Google, the company is additionally testing further upgrades in the beta version, including redesigned link previews and refreshed read receipts. Here’s a look at what’s available in the stable app and what is currently being tested in beta.

Google Messages: New features

Remix with Nano Banana

 

One of the stable additions is “Remix,” powered by Google’s Nano Banana imaging tool. When users long-press a shared image, a new “Remix” option appears, allowing them to generate AI-produced variations based on prompts. The feature requires RCS messaging and is rolling out in English to several countries, including India. Google says daily usage is limited.

Tweaked Gallery icon

 

Google has slightly adjusted the gallery button in the compose bar, as noted by 9To5Google. The small camera symbol previously inside the icon has been removed, though the functionality remains the same.

Fullscreen Account menu

 

Google Messages now uses a full-screen account menu that provides access to Settings, your profile, Archived messages, Spam & blocked, Mark all as read, and Device pairing. The earlier partial overlay has been replaced by a full Material 3 Expressive layout.

Spam link detection

 

Google has added global alerts for suspicious links. If a message appears to contain spam, the app warns users before opening the link and blocks access to potential scam sites. Users can mark the message as “not spam” if needed.

Key Verifier

 

Key Verifier enables users to confirm the identity of another contact through public encryption keys. These keys are presented as a QR code and can also be accessed from the Google Contacts app.

 

 

Google Messages: New features in beta

Redesigned link previews

 

According to 9To5Google, Google is testing a new layout for link previews in Messages. The refreshed design includes a taller cover image, a larger page title and a favicon next to the domain. However, the article snippet has been removed, reducing informational detail.

Mentions in group RCS chats

 

Google is reportedly rolling out support for “@” mentions in group RCS conversations. Users will be able to tag someone directly, even if that participant has muted notifications for the chat. 

MLS encryption for cross-platform RCS

 

As reported by 9To5Google, Google has begun adding MLS (Messaging Layer Security) via Universal Profile 3.0. The upgrade could enable Android and iOS to exchange end-to-end encrypted RCS messages in the future. To check if MLS is active, users can long-press a message and open the Details page.

Image viewer redesign

 

Google is testing changes to how images appear in a thread. Photos sent together are now grouped in the chat. The full-screen viewer includes a blurred background and previews of neighbouring images, while a new bottom row offers quick reactions without leaving the viewer.

Updated read receipts

 

Read receipts are being redesigned again. Indicators now appear as circular icons at the bottom-right of each message bubble. Swiping left reveals timestamps and encryption status, while another swipe allows users to reply or quote a message.